Franjo von Allmen Clinches Olympic Men’s Downhill Gold for Switzerland
In an exciting display of skill and determination, Swiss skier Franjo von Allmen secured his first Olympic gold medal in the men’s downhill event at the Milan Cortina Games. The race took place on a stunning day in Bormio, Italy, with von Allmen clocking a remarkable time of 1 minute, 51.61 seconds on the challenging Stelvio course.
Franjo von Allmen’s Historic Victory
This victory marks a significant milestone for the 24-year-old athlete, particularly as it is his first Olympic competition. His journey to this point is inspiring, especially considering the obstacles he faced as a teenager. After the loss of his father, von Allmen struggled to afford racing expenses until support from a crowdfunding project enabled him to continue pursuing his dreams.
Podium Finishers
Von Allmen’s success maintained Switzerland’s stronghold on the Olympic downhill title. Italy’s Giovanni Franzoni finished just 0.20 seconds behind, claiming the silver medal, while fellow Italian Dominik Paris took bronze, pushing Swiss skier Marco Odermatt off the podium.
- Gold Medal: Franjo von Allmen (Switzerland) – 1:51.61
- Silver Medal: Giovanni Franzoni (Italy) – +0.20 seconds
- Bronze Medal: Dominik Paris (Italy)
Notable Performances and Competitive Spirit
Von Allmen’s previous achievements include three silver medals at the 2022 Junior World Championships in Canada. Following the race, he expressed his joy, saying, “It feels like a movie. How could you imagine the Olympics better than to start with a gold medal? Amazing.”
Former Olympic champion Aksel Lund Svindal praised von Allmen’s exceptional form leading up to the Games. Despite being overshadowed by the success of his teammate Odermatt, von Allmen proved he was in peak condition for the downhill event.
Highlights from the Competition
The atmosphere in Bormio was electric, with fans cheering passionately for their favorites. Giovanni Franzoni, a rising star from Manerba del Garda, is having an outstanding season. Just weeks prior, he secured a World Cup super-G victory and followed it with another downhill win.
Dominik Paris, who has dominated the Bormio venue with seven World Cup victories, earned his first Olympic medal in his fifth appearance at the Winter Games. Alongside me, he said, “It’s a beautiful, tough mountain.”
American Representation
American skier Kyle Negomir delivered a commendable performance, finishing in the 10th position, the best for the U.S. team. He expressed satisfaction, noting, “My goal was to put down something where I could stand in the finish and say I didn’t have any regrets.”
Franjo von Allmen’s triumph not only celebrates a personal achievement but also enhances Switzerland’s rich history in winter sports, particularly in alpine skiing. The competition showcased both emerging talent and seasoned athletes, making for a memorable Olympic event.
